And we're finally back once more with another chapter! My apologies for taking longer than usual to type this, but with college coming up, my life has been busy. Thankfully, the wait for this chapter is over.
Enjoy!
The twelve foot half-giant reached across the fire as he gently shook hands with the Alsworn viking, with Arn's hand of course being dwarfed in size in comparison to the large chieftain.
As the two laughed, Hiccup looked up at Ragnar with question and astonishment. He did not expect the votun, especially their chieftain, to express such friendliness.
"Honestly, I didn't expect you to be here," chuckled Arn. "It was difficult to make out your voice while you wore that helmet of yours."
Ragnar gave a smirk. "Well, it has been a while, young Arn. Then again, you should look at yourself. You've grown about half a foot taller when we last met, lad!"
"I'm certain I'm still the same height," shrugged Arn. "But I wouldn't get too excited. I still have guests here that want to talk to you."
He motioned with his hand over to Hiccup and the other riders, and Ragnar gave a friendly chuckle. "Ah yes, Hiccup Haddock and his friends. Well, mayhaps I should give you a proper greetings now that we're settled. However you would like to call me, whether it is chief or Ragnar, I can only say it is good to meet you."
"But eh… why are you here?"
"Arn told us everything about the foe that you and the rest of Valnr face," replied Hiccup. "The orcs have managed to stretch their presence southwards as well. My tribe, the Berkian Tribe, along with an elven and dwarven kingdom, were attacked by them. They even managed to kill my father…"
"Odin's beard... Dreadful news indeed," said Ragnar, a hint of worry and sympathy in his voice. "I can only assume you have all decided to take action into your own hands?"
Hiccup nodded. "Well, yeah, but not individually. Following the attacks, the elves and the dwarves came to Berk, and there we formed an alliance, uniting our three peoples under one cause. We call ourselves the Alliance of Midgard, and we are dedicated to ridding Midgard of the Dark Legions."
"Hmm… your quest seems bold and ambitious," Ragnar complimented. "But I doubt you will be able to take on the Dark Legions. You don't understand what monstrosities they have at their side, or even the numbers they-"
"And because of this, I want to bring up my point of why we're here," continued Hiccup. "We would like to know if you would be willing to join this alliance. It's become clear to us that your warriors are unlike any other. Their physical strength is-"
Yet before Hiccup could get his final words out, Ragnar shook his head and rose his hand, much to the others' disappointment. "That is a proposal that I unfortunately cannot accept, young chieftain of Berk," he said. "My people face troubles of our own right now; not just with the enemy, but as well as with our food supplies and the monsters that dwell around us. Although the Dragonskarn capital is managing as per usual, our second largest town all the while is facing its issues... Again, I'm sorry, but I cannot assist your alliance whilst my people struggle."
Hiccup knew that this was most likely going to happen, however. Thus, he offered another proposal.
"...So what if we were to help your tribe?" asked Hiccup. "Surely if we helped your people out, you'd be able to secure Votunheim and have the space needed for you to focus on the orcs directly. Please, let the others and I help resolve the problems that you and your people are going through. Give us a chance..."
Ragnar thought about it for a moment as he slowly nodded his head. Mayhaps he would not have to do all the work himself. Maybe there was a way they would both be able to help each other. However, his people came first.
"Alright, young chieftain," sighed the half-giant. "You help out my people, and in return, we'll lend our arms to your alliance, and swear our allegiance."
"It's a deal," replied Hiccup, and the two warriors gave each other a nod. "So what do you want us to do first?"
Ragnar's eyes narrowed away, gazing towards the north where his tribe's outer village was located. For a moment he thought about it, and quickly made his decision. This first mission would be a test for Hiccup and his friends.
"To the north is the village of Lakestead," spoke Ragnar as his gaze turned back to the young vikings. "It is a small town known for providing food to our tribe, both through livestock and crops, thus it is consideree the second most important settlement in Votunheim. However, Lakestead is making only half of what it used to make. Much of our crops are failing, and the animals are being scared off by the local wildlife. So…"
"I think I know what you're trying to get at here," said Hiccup. "You want us to head to the village to help out the populace with the food production."
"What!?" grunted Snotlout. "We just got here though! You can't be telling me that you want us to-"
Immediately Hiccup raised his hand up, silencing the Jorgeson. "Calm down, Snotlout. I was never going to say that we would leave right away."
"Aye, and nor would I send you away immediately," agreed Ragnar. "You lads and lasses deserve this time to rest; to take a break for a day. I am sure we can wait."
Snotlout gave a sigh, narrowing his eyes down a bit. "Alright… I'm sorry for the outburst and- you know, whatever."
"No need to be sorry. It's fine, alright?" asked Hiccup, to which the young Jorgenson gave a nod.
With their first mission set for tomorrow, it was time for the group to settle in. The votun chief smirked as he cheerfully took hold of his mug which sat atop a nearby crate from where he sat. He gave a chuckle and asked, "So, who here is up for a drink of goat milk?"
"ME!" called out both Ruffnut and Tuffnut, raising their hands up.
…
For a few hours the riders had been feasting on boar meat and drinking goat milk in ridiculously large votun-sized mugs. Though somewhat heavy, they still managed to take hold of with both hands.
All the meanwhile, they conversed cheerfully with Ragnar, laughing over many of his viking-esque jokes whilst also learning about what life was like for votun, and in short, it was simple; farming crops, hunting for livestock, running the smithy, and as a whole, working to survive.
The dragons too enjoyed themselves as the votun chief was kind enough to lend them a few piles of fish and meat for them to eat from, to which they all gobbled them down in a matter of minutes.
However, Hiccup had other things going through him.
He stood near the edge of the small hill, overlooking what he could see of the valley of Votunheim. He gazed at the bright green plains which blew in the wind like ocean waves, as well as at the distant pine trees and the large river flowing down the center of the region from afar.
Yet to this, he sighed. Of course he admired it, but there was something about it that he could not shrug off.
Astrid however, who sat talking with the others, narrowed her eyes over to Hiccup whose back was turned to them - still looking out over the valley. She was curious. He had stayed like that for nearly half an hour straight, and said nothing. 'Something must have gotten his attention,' she thought.
She then turned her head and looked back at the others. "Hold on for a moment, I'll be right back," she said as she stood to her feet and proceeded to walk over to the young silent chieftain. Her feet stopped right next to him as she looked out at the valley with him, wondering what could be catching his attention.
"Hiccup?" she asked. "You haven't said anything for nearly half an hour. Is something on your mind?"
At first, Hiccup said nothing. He just continued staring out as if he was daydreaming into the blue. But then replied with one word.
"This," he said softly.
Astrid rose a brow curiously. "This?"
Hiccup gave a nod. "This valley is just like the world that I wanted wanted to see, ever since Berk began to crumble, because of the whole fiasco with, well- you know," he said, slightly tilting his head to Snotlout. "I once asked myself if there were any other lands out there besides those we knew. And- well, I was right."
"But look at Berk now," she replied. "It's slowly building itself back up again… isn't it?"
"Kind of," he admitted. "But while the enemy that threatens Midgard remains, Berk can't become the human-dragon utopia that it was supposed to be. Especially with him around commanding them."
"Drago? You shouldn't worry about him for now, Hiccup," she said assuringly. "Like we said, we'll deal with him when the time comes, but right now we're not strong enough to face him, and we still have other things to worry about… at least for tomorrow. So for now, just relax. There's more to do right now than just thinking about Berk and Drago.
"Hmph," responded Hiccup muffling. "I guess you're right."
"Come on, cheer up," she smiled, landing light smack against his shoulder. "Come and sit down by the fire with us. I'm sure we can talk about- ...huh?"
Her words halted. Just before the two were about to walk back to the fire, they both suddenly heard what appeared to be the sound of strings from a lute being plucked and played. Looking back, they saw Arn was indeed holding his lute, and to this, Hiccup was a little bit surprised. Since when did he bring it along?
"Huh, I didn't know he brought it along," shrugged Hiccup.
Astrid lightly chuckled. "Me neither. He must've snuck it into one of the satchels on Toothless' saddle, though I'm surprised it didn't break during the battle. Still, I can't wait to hear what he has this time."
"Hopefully not that song about Brann," laughed Hiccup, causing Astrid to respond in a hearty laughter.
As the two walked over and sat relaxingly by fire, Arn played random notes, seeing that the strings were in tune as he wanted it to be, and to this the votun chief, Ragnar, gave a wide grin and a laugh.
"Hahaha! I love myself a good song! WARRIORS, GET OVER HERE, HAHA!"
Soon, the rest of the votun had their attention gazed onto Arn as he slowly began to play. They chuckled heartily and cheered as they gathered around the riders, ready to sing.
The dragons gave questioning looks. They knew something was happening.
"What are they doing?" asked Meatlug.
"Looks like they're preparing to sing. Oh gods..." sighed Stormfly.
Hiccup looked around him, eyes widened. It seemed they were quite into music, and after a moment passed, Arn began to play and sing, and the votun and Ragnar joined in along with him, stomping their feet and clapping their hands.
It was a different tune, and it was one that they appeared to really like.
"Aye ho to the mug I go, to heal my heart and watch it grow,"
"Snow may fall and cold may blow, but many miles... be still go!"
"And under a large tree I will lie, and watch the clouds go sailing by!"
"So aye ho to the mug I go, to drink my fill and drown my woe,"
"Better than storms or heavy dreer,"
"So shut your mouth and chug your beer!"
Ragnar and the votun all laughed heartily as they cheered and applauded, and before long, they began to sing another two songs that lasted for another few minutes... As soon as they finished, they happily yet somewhat drunkenly went back to talking with one another by their campfires, once more leaving the riders by themselves with Ragnar. Clearly the half-giants were smashed by mead.
Fishlegs blinked, giving a shrug. "Huh, so this is how cheerful you guys are."
"Aye," replied Ragnar noddingly. "Though I must say, you lads and lasses seem… a bit uncomfortable. Do you not like music?"
"Of course not, it's just that we're just not the type for having crowds sing around us," said Astrid, shortly gazing back at the other votun. "Last time we sang was when we had to find a home for a baby Death Song. It was a ridiculous situation, and we all sounded terrible."
"That's because you don't know how to sing," laughed Arn. "Remember that the more you do it, the better you get at it. Practice makes perfect."
"Yeah yeah, we get it," said Ruffnut. "But at least I can sing better than Snotlout. His words never rhyme."
"Sis has a point. Snotlout really does suck at it, so I can't disagree there," snickered Tuffnut.
Snotlout grumbled irritatingly. "So what? At least I don't sound like a witch when I try to-"
"Alriiiight guys, that's- that's enough," Hiccup chuckled embarrassingly. "We're not here to compare each other's singing."
Ragnar rose a brow, lightly shaking his head. "You really aren't that cheery, are you?"
…
Back on Berk, things were progressing well with the Alliance's training. Their warriors grew stronger with every passing day, and reinforcements from their allies were soon to arrive.
However, the mother of the young chieftain had her doubts. In the great hall, Valka stood looking over the map of their campaign atop the war table. She had an idea, and she wanted to set it into motion, but she needed help.
"It has to work," she told herself. "Something tells me we don't have enough to win this. We need still need more men... But if they listen to us, we might just-"
The sound of two great doors slamming opened nearly caused her to jump as the silence of the hall was interrupted. She soon heard the distant echoing noise of two pairs of footsteps coming her way, and as she glanced forward, she spotted the two dimly lit figures of Eret and Gobber the Belch hastily walking towards her, almost jogging - if not running.
Both warriors sighed as they stopped right in front of her.
"We came swiftly... and as fast as we could… as you wanted…" slowly replied Eret, gathering his breath. "Mind telling us why we're here?"
"You both came right on time," nodded Valka. "I called you both here to ask for your help with... something."
"And what exactly would that be?" asked Gobber. "Certainly it isn't something Hiccup wouldn't want us to do... is it?"
"It is," she responded, to which the two vikings in front of her rose their brows and asked in unison, "What?"
"Just hear me out first," sighed Valka, shaking her head. "To make it short, I have a plan that involves getting us more warriors for the Alliance, but through persuasion. Something is telling me that we do not have enough men, and that we must take action."
"And so… I have sent letters to both Alvin and Dagur."
Eret's eyes suddenly widened. "You what!?"
"Valka, you know Hiccup would never approve of this," said Gobber, almost disapprovingly and worryingly. "Our relations with those two have become terrible ever since Snotlout backstabbed us!"
Valka gave a nod. "That may be so, but I still believe there is a way to convince them. Ever since they cut their ties with us and began making disputes with us over resources, they have had no idea of what has gone down, and they certainly do not know that Stoick is dead. If there is a way that we can convince them to join us, it is through words. Words that we can reach them with... Words that will encourage them."
"And how do you hope to do that without them causing a fight?" asked Eret.
"I wrote for them in the letter to meet us on Dragon Island in two days time, without any weapons, and to bring only two representatives. Until then, I want a ship prepared. You two shall help represent the tribe."
The idea as a whole sounded ridiculous and insane. How would Valka know if the Outcasts and Berserkers would listen to them, out of all people? Along with that, how would they believe their claims about the orcs, the Dark Legions, or even their master? It would just sound unreal to them.
However, it seemed there was nothing they could say about it, considering that Valka was Hiccup's mother, thus she was in a higher position than them.
"...Well, you're the chief's mother, and the former chieftess, so we can't disobey that," spoke Gobber.
"So you'll go along with it?"
"Aye," he nodded to her. "But I request that we do it under one condition…"
If you guys have not spotted it already, the song in the chapter is a reference to a poetic tune from the Lord of the Rings, both from the books and movies. But nonetheless, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!
Thanks for reading!